DESCRIPTION:

The Christian community has long debated the appropriate ways for Christians to relate to their cultural surroundings. This course will focus on some key perspectives, beginning with a critical examination of the typology made popular by H. Richard Niebuhr in his classic study, Christ and Culture. Special attention will be given to "cultural mandate" theories, as well as to the contemporary relevance of traditional notions of common grace, natural law, and general revelation as they have been used to discern created commonalities that undergird a plurality of cultures. The present-day interest in "multi-culturalism" will also be explored.

Evangelical Christianity has often emphasized the need to oppose "worldliness," and the warnings have typically been based on an implicit philosophy and theology of culture. It is important for Christian leaders to clarify their understanding of these issues in order to guide the believing community in proper patterns of cultural discipleship.

1. demonstrate a deeper understanding of the nature of "culture";

2. analyze and critique contemporary Christian culture from a theological and philosophical perspective;

3. demonstrate a deeper understanding of the relationship between a biblical worldview and interaction with the wider culture;

4. demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities and tensions facing the Christian church in diverse and rapidly changing cultures and subcultures;

5. engage in theological reflection regarding possible theological responses to the wider culture;

6. graciously articulate the good news of the gospel of Christ in a multicultural, pluralistic society.

Conducted online using a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

Brunner, Emil, and Karl Barth. Natural Theology. Wipf & Stock, 2002. ISBN: 1-59244-112-2. $17.

Carson, D. A. Christ and Culture Revisited. Eerdmans, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-8028-3174-3. $24.

Crouch, Andy. Culture Making. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-8308-3394-8. $22.

Hauerwas, Stanley, and William Willimon. Resident Aliens. Abingdon, 1989. ISBN: 0-687-36159-1. $17.

Kuyper, Abraham. Lectures on Calvinism. Eerdmans, 1943. ISBN: 978-0-8028-1607-8. $9.

Mouw, Richard. When the Kings Go Marching In. Eerdmans, 2002. ISBN: 978-0-8028-3996-1. $14.

Taylor, Charles, and Amy Gutman. Multiculturalism. Princeton University Press, 1994.

ISBN: 0-691-03779-5. $25.

Course reader available in the online class. Recommended reading posted in syllabus.

1. Weekly threaded discussions, Internet research and discussion (25%), and journaling, including interaction with reading (15%)

2. Two 3-4 page research/reflection papers (25%)

3. Midterm exam (15%)

4. One final 8-10 page research/reflection paper (20%)